UPS LIST OF HERBS & ANALOGS by Jane Bothwell

After introduction to the UpS list of “At-Risk” plants, students always ask, "Well, what can we use in its place?" Often times the choice is simple: choose a cultivated species rather than one harvested from the wild. When cultivated species are not available, then it is best to find a plant analog. An analog is an herb having a parallel action, function or end result to other medicinal herbs. In most instances, it is important and necessary to use a variety of analogs for the at-risk herb because an analog generally satisfies only some of the therapeutic actions of a particular plant species and does not demonstrate all medicinal actions of that plant. It is sometimes difficult to find replacements for our tried and true herb friends, but it also can be very satisfying and will expand your expertise, while helping to replant our future. Choose alien (non-native) plants for food and medicine, leaving the more fragile native plant species to flourish. Many alien plants are extremely powerful medicinals and will be a welcomed addition to your medicine chest. This is a partial list. More of Jane’s recommmended analogs for the “At-Risk” and “To-Watch” lists will be in forthcoming issues of the Journal. STAY TUNED!

America Ginseng Panax quinquefolia Purchase organic roots only–even so-called woods-grown is suspect. Chinese Ginseng Panax Ginseng For increasing energy, stamina, fortifying immune system Siberian Ginseng Eleuthrococcus senticosus Adaptagenic, normalizes energy levels, increases productivity, immunopotentiating Astragalus Astragalus membranaceous Protective and recuperative immune tonic Ashwaganda Withania somnifera Important Ayurvedic herb for stregnthening sexual energy and replenishing nervous system exhaustion. Oats Avena sp. Replenishes nervous system.

Arnica Arnica sp. Cultivated sources only; use all aerial parts rather than just flowers; Arnica montana is threatened in its entire range in Europe. Comfrey Symphytum officianale Musculoskeletal concerns Yarrow Achillea millefolium Bruising Calendula Calendula officinalis Anti-inflamatory, vulnerary St. Johns Wort Hypericum perforatum Restores damaged nerve tissue, analgesic Rescue Remedy - Bach flower essence formula Topically & internally reduces trauma

Black Cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa Most in commerce is wildcrafted Vitex Vitex agnus-castus Hormone balancing Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca Relieves anxiety, lifts spirits Skullcap Scutellaria laterifolia Nerve tonic, analgesic, alleviates mood swings, relieves anxiety Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis Celandine Chelidonium majus Dissolves warts; contains sanguinarine Tumeric Curcuma longa May resolve skin cancer, anti-inflamatory and astringent to gum tissue Self-Heal Prunella vulgaris Anti-inflammatory and astringent to gum tissue Spilanthes Spilanthes acemella Stimulating, decay fighting mouthwash, tonifies gums

8 | Journal of Medicinal Plant Conservation Summer 2002 Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides Motherwort Leonarus cardiaca Uterine tonic Raspberry leaf Rubus idaeus Uterine tonic Cottonroot bark Gossypium herbaceum Oxytocic-promotes or accelerates childbirth by stimulating uterine muscles. Caution: not to be taken during pregnancy. Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium Emmenagogue

Cascara sagrada Rhamnus purshiana Thin young saplings at base of tree. If necessary to cut down tree, leave high stump; it will resprout. Let cure for a year before using. Senna Cassia hebecarpa Contains anthroquinoines, powerful laxative Other Rhamnus species Very similar actions to purishana Psyllium and Flax seeds Bulk laxatives Echinacea Echinacea sp. Use only cultivated sources, very available. Usnea Usnea sp. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral. Collect windblown specimens on forest floor after a good winter storm. Thyme Thymus vulgaris Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immune enhancing. Spilanthes Spilanthes acmella Immune tonic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral Astragalus Astragalus membranaceos Protective and recuperative immune tonic Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum Relieves aches and pains of flu Marshmallow Althea officinalis Immune tonic and restorative Eyebright Euphrasia spp. Chamomile Matricaria recutita Soothing eye wash Self-heal Prunella vulgaris Soothing to mucous membranes False Unicorn Chamailirium luteum Virtually non-existent at this point Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca Reproductive stimulant Vitex Vitex agnus-castus Hormone balancing Raspberry Rubus idaeus Uterine tonic Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis Barberry Berberis vulgaris Contains berberine; astringent, anti-microbial, dries mucous membranes Usnea Usnea sp. Topical infections, eyewash, antibiotic, anti-viral Garlic Allium sativum Antibiotic, dries mucous membranes Plantain Plantago sp. Antiseptic, heals wounds, alterative Goldthread Coptis sp. Usnea Usnea spp. Topical infections, eyewash, antibiotic, anti-viral Garlic Allium sativum Antibiotic, dries mucous membranes Plantain Plantago spp. Antiseptic, heals wounds, alterative Kava – Wild Hawaiian Piper methysticum Use cultivated sources only Chamomile Matricaria recutita Gently calming and soothing Mugwort Artemesia vulgaris Digestive bitter, induces vivid dream states Valerian Valeriana officinalis Sedating nervine Hops Humulus lupulus Sedative, digestive bitter California poppy Eschscholzia californica Mood altering nervine

Journal of Medicinal Plant Conservation | 9